Numerical modeling of subduction zone hydrothermal circulation: Toward understanding temperature-pressure condition of the seismogenic zone

2015 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 25800246
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Solid earth and planetary physics
• Research Institution: Tohoku University (2015); Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (2014); The University of Tokyo (2013)
• Principal Investigator: Kawada Yoshifumi 東北大学, 災害科学国際研究所, 助教 (50402558)
• Project Period (FY): 2013-04-01 – 2016-03-31
• Keywords: 熱水循環 / 沈み込み帯 / 日本海溝 / 南海トラフ / 数値シミュレーション / 温度構造

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Seismic activity of the subduction zone is affected by the temperature structure of the subducted oceanic plate. On the seaward of the Japan Trench and the Nankai Trough, heat flow values higher than expected from the plate age have been observed. This research project aims to elucidate relationships between the heat flow and the temperature structure. Anomalous heat flow around the Japan Trench is able to explain fluid circulation in an aquifer that thickens toward the trench axis. Gradual decrease in the heat flow from the Muroto to the Kumano districts can be explained by fluid flow below the trough floor along the strike of the subduction zone.

Free Research Field

地球惑星物理学